Lancashire Heeler

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13-18 lbs
8-10"
Great Britain
Ormskirk Heeler, Lancashire Terrier

The Lancashire Heeler is a rare breed of small dog that hails from Great Britain. Bred to be a cattle dog, they are small enough to easily nip at the cow’s hooves but quick and agile enough to move out of the way before getting kicked. When they weren’t busy keeping the cows in line these little dogs also kept the farm free of vermin such as rats. They are a healthy breed, and they require minimal daily grooming, but they are not hypoallergenic. They tend to be friendly and affectionate with family, but can be wary of strangers, and benefit greatly from early socialization and training.
purpose Purpose
herding, ratting
history Date of Origin
1800s
ancestry Ancestry
black and tan type terrier, corgi

Lancashire Heeler Health

Sketch of Lancashire Heeler
Average Size
Male Lancashire Heeler size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 13-18 lbs
Female Lancashire Heeler size stats
Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 13-18 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Lens Luxation
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
Occasional Tests
  • Knee
  • Eyes
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Lancashire Heeler Breed History

The full ancestry of the Lancashire Heeler isn’t certain, most experts believe that this Heeler originated in the Welsh and English regions of Great Britain as a mixture of the Corgi line and some form of Black and Tan Terrier, such as the Manchester Terrier, though there are claims that other breeds such as the Dachshund may have also been included in their formation. Lancashire Heelers are a short enough breed to nip at the heels of cattle as well as being nimble enough to move quickly out of the way before getting kicked. This made them an ideal dog to help control cattle, both at home and on the road when traveling to market. These little dogs are also efficient ratters, and they helped to clear the farm of vermin when they weren’t busy herding the cattle. Although it had suffered a decline in population, interest in this breed was regenerated in the 1960’s, and in Britain, in 1978 the Lancashire Heeler Club was formed. Due in large part to the dedication of a breeder by the name of Gwen Macintosh, The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognized this breed in 1981 and in the United States, the United Kennel Club recognized this breed on November 1, 2009. This breed is not yet definitively recognized with either the FCI or the AKC, however, it is considered a foundation stock service breed by the AKC and may participate in herding events, and as of 2016 was recognized on a provisional basis with the FCI. 

Lancashire Heeler Breed Appearance

The Lancashire Heeler is both small and sturdy, with a soft undercoat which is completely covered by a layer of short, thick fur that lays flat against the body. They possess a proportional head with a tapering face, with an alert and energetic expression. The eyes are almond shaped and either dark or light brown to match their coat, and their ears are triangular and held erect. They have a mildly elongated body, similar to the Corgi that they are likely descended from, with slightly shortened legs that are typically straight and well-boned. The paws on the Lancashire are small and well-padded, and the tail is carried over the back with a slight curve, though it generally does not form a full ring. The black and tan combination is the most commonly seen color for these dogs, and liver & tan is also a recognized color. Although they are not typically recognized by the Kennel Clubs, some of these dogs may be born with tricolor, brindle, or sable colors. 
Appearance of Lancashire Heeler
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Lancashire Heeler eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Lancashire Heeler nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Lancashire Heeler coat
Black
brown Lancashire Heeler coat
Brown
fawn Lancashire Heeler coat
Fawn
sable Lancashire Heeler coat
Sable
brindle Lancashire Heeler coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense

Lancashire Heeler Breed Maintenance

The grooming requirements for this breed are low. Bathing is typically only required a few times a year, although your Lancashire Heeler does require brushing on a regular basis, a grooming mitt or slicker brush will generally suffice. This is important not only to remove burrs, dirt, and excess hair from the coat but also to check for fleas or ticks. When you do bathe your dog, it is important to ensure that their undercoat is fully dry as it can hold moisture close to the skin, causing bacterial and fungal infections to flourish. These dogs are both energetic and intelligent, so they do require half an hour to an hour of daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain at their happiest and healthiest. Walks and runs are an excellent way to get the exercise and stimulation that your dog needs, but puzzle toys and training sessions may also play a part in providing these requirements. 
Brushes for Lancashire Heeler
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Flea Comb
Flea Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Lancashire Heeler requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Lancashire Heeler Temperament

The Lancashire Heeler is both a loyal and courageous animal with a happy disposition, although they can tend towards mischievousness and stubbornness, particularly if training is delayed. They can be wary of strangers, but they are devoted to their family and usually get along well with children. As this dog is rather small, interactions with toddlers and young children should be closely monitored, for both the safety of the child and the safety of the dog. They tend to get along fairly well with other cats and dogs in the household, although there is a tendency to try and herd them, but due to their Terrier instincts, they may not be safe around smaller animals. They can do well in smaller spaces and apartments provided they get enough exercise but thrive in an environment where they have room to run. These dogs are also escape artists, so any yard that they play in should be thoroughly examined for holes in the fence or loose boards.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Lancashire Heeler

Similarly Sized Breeds to Lancashire Heeler

Lancashire Heeler Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1.3 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.30
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$30.00 - $37.50
food bag monthly cost

Lancashire Heeler Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Lancashire Heeler at six months
Male Lancashire Heeler size stats at six months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Lancashire Heeler size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Lancashire Heeler at 12 months
Male Lancashire Heeler size stats at 12 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Lancashire Heeler size stats at 12 months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Lancashire Heeler at 18 months
Male Lancashire Heeler size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 15.5 lbs
Female Lancashire Heeler size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 15.5 lbs

Lancashire Heeler Owner Experiences

Benny
12 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Nap
Tug-of-war
Explore the city
Explore the woods
Walk
I’ve had Benny for 9 years now. Cataracts have gotten his sight completely, but he’s quick to learn his surroundings and very attentive to sounds and smells. He’s not an escape artist anymore, he’s my little shadow and, before going blind, he didn’t need a leash to stay near me. He’s had behavioral issues, but he’s a rescue and was found on the side of the road and has scars that are evidence of fights or other harm. He loves my family and friends now and is the most cuddly. His ears were usually always down for the first couple of years, but he’s constantly smiling and perky now. Still has the same energy he had when he was 7, just added old teeth and hesitation since he can’t see. He’s more talkative now than he’s ever been. He used to be so quiet, he was the perfect collage dog, now he’ll have full conversations with me. He took to training really well, but only from me. He’s still stubborn and begs a lot with others, but they give into him quickly. So they’re not helping.
10 months, 2 weeks ago
Kevin
6 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He’s a rescue who came to us 3 mnths ago. Never been socialised and was mistreated. He’s coming along really well and a quick learner. We love him and his social skills are getting better with training
2 years, 11 months ago
Grimson
9 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rescue dog from ex girlfriend. now every one I know wants this breed.
3 years, 3 months ago
Choco
10 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Running
talking
A very lovable type of dog,they know when you are mad at them and knows what to do when they want something.
7 years ago
Lucie
3 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have had seven Lancashire heelers.and such wonderful personalities.every one different . Very good companions and loved to go away in our campervan.
5 years, 4 months ago
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